Harbor Freight model.....box and pan brake, plus shear.

Anyone had any experience using one of these?

Info appreciated.

Jay

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/05900-05999/05907.gif

havnt used that one....

my company has a 10' brake press that comes in very handy

sorry i cant help

Do you want info on how to use that one or just info on how to use a brake? I worked at a HVAC place for a year. And have used one. Ours was a 12 footer. What are you trying to build?

That is really cool, never saw one that had a built in shear.

I have that exact one.

It works great on 20 gauge but I brake the arms allot when doing 18. I like it, but it’s not a high production unit (kind of hard to operate alone). Replacement arm are 10 bucks so I guess I don’t mind breaking them. What width are you considering??


And wait till HF has a free shipping sale to buy it. Must weigh 500 pounds or more.
:D

I've got a 40" model like that at home. A little limited on size capability but VERY handy. I originally bought it when I was building wings and expansion chambers for a 2 cycle dirt track racer. Lately I've been using it to build fuel tanks, and floor pans....

Mine will handle up to 20 gauge (.033") steel and 1/16" aluminum. I'm building a fuel tank for a friend out of 18 gauge steel (.043"), but I had him shear the sheets at where he works. The brake handles the 18ga fine, but I have not tried to shear it yet. I can also brake up to 2x1/8 strap easily, but anything thicker will not budge. Still, it's handy for making tabs and light brackets.

I can post some pictures tomorrow if you'd like to see some of the stuff I've done with it.

Originally posted by cornfedred

And wait till HF has a free shipping sale to buy it. Must weigh 500 pounds or more.
:D

wow .. didn't realize those thing were so heavy.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=5907

the 30" model weighs 308 lbs !

- jack

Couple of projects I'd consider.....

Fan shroud from maybe 20 gauge steel

Floor pan pieces from 14-16 gauge aluminum

Jay

Originally posted by okcrawler

I can post some pictures tomorrow if you'd like to see some of the stuff I've done with it.

Yes, I would be interested. Thanks!
Jay

I have used a brake or two at my jobs (union sheetmetal worker) When u do decide to by a brake, the first number should be the lenght of the brake and the second number should be the guage that it can b bend on the whole longht of the brake. example
2016 would be a 20' 16 gauge
but that brake will bend 10' of 8 guage.... hope this helps u out alittle.
My buddy has one out of some catalog that is for body work I am not sure what name but not bad for a cheap brake...
What did you intend to do on the brake???

Originally posted by TODDK
I have used a brake or two at my jobs (union sheetmetal worker)

another member of SMWIA? whats ur local?:usa:

See how it’s got one arm in the picture above?

:question:



When you buy it comes with TWO arms. Don’t ever use it with just one arm!!

You will load up that one side and risk a poor shear or break the arm. :nuke:

Just letting you know:angel:

LOCAL #12 PITTSBURGH, PA
YOU?

Originally posted by ROKTOY
Yes, I would be interested. Thanks!
Jay

Oops, sorry I missed your reply.

Here's a shot of a fuel tank I just finished for a friend. It's out of 18ga steel. I did have him shear the pices at his work, since that's at the limits of the machine, but the bends were done on mine. Sorry, I don't have any shots of the rolled parts with me at the moment and I'm headed out of town tomorrow (if I can get everything loaded tonight). But, give me a 'red star' for trying.. :p

Thanks. Nice job.
Jay

The big problem is the limited size and thickness. 20ga is just so thin so that tells you right there that it isn't all that tough. I have looked at them when I was in the store but they look really cheap.